Test Scores Not Required!
We know standardized test scores may not best represent what you're capable of achieving in the classroom. That’s why we offer the ROCO Option.
That’s the POWER of small
Standards. Not Standardized
The Rosemont College experience isn’t standard; neither is our undergraduate admission process. If your weighted, cumulative high school GPA is a 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), you can choose the ROCO Option on your application. That means submitting your ACT/SAT score is optional!
Personalized. Not Standardized
We take the personal approach of getting to know you. If you choose the ROCO Option, you do not need to submit your standardized test scores. Instead, we will meet with you for an interview—so we can get to know you. You are unique, and so is Rosemont College.
FAQS
Q: What is the ROCO Option?
A: If you're applying to Rosemont and you have a weighted, cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or higher, submitting your SAT/ACT scores is optional. We call this the ROCO Option.
Q: How does the ROCO Option differ from test-optional policies at other colleges/universities?
A: Our highly-personalized approach to education makes Rosemont College stand apart -- The ROCO Option is a natural extension of this. If you choose the ROCO Option, there are no test scores required.
Q: Why does Rosemont offer a test-optional option?
A: When it comes to the ROCO Option, national research is on our side! Students who apply to college without submitting their standardized test scores succeed in higher education at the same rates, or slightly better, than those who submit them.
Students who elect not to submit their standardized test scores also graduate from college in four years at the same rate, or slightly better, than those students who submit them.*
Rosemont’s internal studies indicate that high school GPA is the best predictor of academic success at Rosemont and assurance of graduation from Rosemont in 4 years.
*(Bill Hiss and Valerie Franks - Defining Promise: Optional Standardized Testing Policies in American College and University Admissions, February 2014 and Bill Hiss, Valerie Franks, and Steven Syverson - Defining Access: How Test Optional Works, April 2018).
Q: Are there any restrictions on who can apply using the ROCO Option?
A: Yes. Students who are homeschooled may not elect the ROCO Option, as they do not receive grades in the same way that students who attend high schools do. Homeschooled students are required to submit SAT/ACT scores.
Also, international students must demonstrate language proficiency to be considered for admission, unless they received a degree from a qualifying country. More information can be found on our international student page.
Q: Will students who elect the ROCO Option still be eligible for Merit Scholarships?
A: Yes, if you apply to Rosemont using the ROCO Option, you are still eligible for merit-based scholarships. Choosing not to submit SAT/ACT scores will not impact this decision in any way. Your high school profile is considered when we make scholarship awards.
If necessary, to assist with the awarding of merit-based scholarships, high school grade point averages may be recalculated (on a 4.0 scale) to include only academic high school course work
Q: What else is important to know about the ROCO Option?
A: Once you choose to apply to Rosemont without the ROCO Option, you may not change your mind. In other words, if you submit SAT/ACT scores but later feel that they didn't accurately convey your ability, you cannot switch to the ROCO Option. The converse is also true – you cannot apply to Rosemont with the ROCO Option and later change your mind and choose to submit scores.